Old Thunderbirds never go out of style; they're still just as chic and sophisticated today as they were sixty years ago. Many have been over-restored to the point of perfection, but that means they're no longer any fun to drive, so if you're looking for a great driver-grade early 'Bird in an unusual color, perhaps this Thunderbird Bronze '57 will pique your interest.

For many T-Bird fans, the '57s were the pinnacle of 2-seater evolution, a longer, sleeker design that added small tailfins and a wider grille to an already successful design. The code Q Thunderbird Bronze was one of Ford's early experiments in an iridescent metallic paint, and you'll note that it seems to change colors as you move around and in different lighting situations. A product of an older restoration, this car still shows quite well, suggesting that the work was done right. Look at how straight and smooth the sides of the car are, how crisp the tailfins look, and the great fit of both doors-stuff like that doesn't happen by accident. The paint is quite correct, offering a wonderful preview of the slick metallic '60s color schemes that looks right at home on the 'Bird's classic lines. There's not a lot of chrome on the '57s, another factor in their timeless styling, but the pieces that are there look fantastic thanks to quality work and excellent care since it was finished. Even the rear bumper exhaust tips are in great shape, showing none of the discoloration that typically plagues these models.

This car also offers a correct code XJ Thunderbird Bronze interior, which was definitely a rare choice. Most of the interior was restored with the rest of the car and shows some very minor signs of use and age, but overall, it's quite nice and the monochromatic look works quite well, allowing the dramatic sheetmetal to do most of the talking. The engine-turned dashboard with its full complement of instruments remains in excellent shape with bright trim and clear lenses on the gauges. A white plastic steering wheel offers pleasing contrast to the otherwise monotone interior, and seat belts were added during the restoration for safety purposes. The original Town & Country radio is gone, replaced by a more reliable AM/FM/cassette unit and both power windows motor up and down without issues. It includes a trim-fitting black canvas soft top and a Colonial White porthole hardtop, as well as a fully outfitted trunk with full-sized spare.

Ford's 312 cubic inch "Thunderbird Special" V8 is topped by a 4-barrel Holley and runs superbly. In the two-seat 'Bird, it delivers more than adequate performance and a sophisticated V8 soundtrack that's enough to get noticed, but for only the right reasons. Complete with a factory dress-up kit and bright red engine enamel, it looks as good as it runs, so you won't hesitate to tip the hood forward to show it to onlookers. It's backed by a Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission and a 9-inch rear, and everything was rebuilt, including the brakes, engine, and carburetor, within the last two years. Color-matched steel wheels with flashy hubcaps are protected by a set of modern wide whitewall radials, so it tracks like a cruise missile on the highway.

If you've been looking for a Thunderbird you can actually drive, but not one that looks like everyone else's, this '57 is ready to go. Call today!